The tiles in the change room were slippery and the air was thick with chlorine fumes. I tried not to think about much of anything as I squeezed my body into a bathing suit left over from my first pregnancy. I’m not pregnant, by the way. But I’ve gone up almost five sizes in two months and the bright orange-pink piece of spandex is the only bathing suit that fits.

Well, it sort of fits.

I nervously made my way into the pool along with a group of seventy-year old Eastern European women. A lifeguard put on an upbeat CD and instructed us to grab some foam “weights”. I clumsily tried to keep up as she led us through a series of exercises but my feet and legs kept cramping up and my muscles wouldn’t cooperate.

Okay, let’s be real, it was also because I’m a bit out of shape.

I was embarrassed until an elderly lady caught my eye. She was having trouble too. Suddenly, we were both laughing uncontrollably.

The rest of the class was incredibly fun.

Whenever I’m on kidney treatment, I fight the same battle. It’s a big but silly battle. I get embarrassed about the way I look—the weight gain, the clothes that don’t fit and (most especially) the “moon face”. I become paralyzed by insecurity.

Forcing myself to take a fitness class is one way I’m fighting back.

I’ve also been taking my children to the local literacy centre once a week so I can meet and develop friendships with other moms. I’ve been striking up conversations at the park. I’ve been inviting people over for coffee or for dinner.

Why? Because Jesus has a calling and purpose for my life—and for those around me—that goes beyond what I feel like on any particular day.

There are people out there who desperately need to experience His love. There’s a lot at stake—their eternity. I’m not going to get to share Jesus’ love with anyone if I’m at home hiding under my covers because I’m tired or because I’ve gained (more than) a few pounds!

Why am I sharing such a personal struggle? Well, a few weeks ago, I wrote about “Breaking Limitations”. Here is what I’m learning: You don’t break limitations off of your life by praying a one-time prayer. You break limitations off of your life by actively stepping out of your comfort zone on a daily basis.

Every day, I have been looking for ways to step out of my comfort zone. It has been life changing!

So now it’s your turn. What is one thing that holds you back? And what is one step that you can take today to overcome that issue?